Why this Thursday’s (depending when you are reading this!) wine release deserves a spot in your glass—and your calendar.
Put down that over-oaked Cab, step away from your Pinot panic, and repeat after me: Gamay is not your sidekick—it’s the main character. And on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, the curtain rises for its annual showstopper: Beaujolais Nouveau Day.
You might be thinking, “Isn’t that the fruity stuff from the 80s that tastes like a Jolly Rancher?” Yes—and no. This year, Beaujolais Nouveau isn’t just arriving. It’s strutting in with purpose, complexity, and a colour so gloriously pink-purple it could make Prince weep.
Gamay: The Grape That Refused to Die
Let’s rewind to 1395 (stick with me). Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy—clearly having a rough week—decided Gamay was “disloyal” and banned it from his precious Pinot Noir playground. Harsh. But like all good underdog stories, Gamay bounced back, found new ground in Beaujolais, and quietly plotted its comeback.
Fast forward to today, and Gamay is the grape of the moment. From the natural wine rebels of Paris to the wine geeks of Peckham, everyone’s falling for its juicy charm and unpretentious swagger.
Beaujolais Nouveau: From Gimmick to Glorious
Originally, Nouveau was a humble local affair—a way to toast the end of harvest with something fast, fresh, and drinkable. Then came the “Race to Paris” in the 50s, where winemakers literally raced to deliver bottles to thirsty bistros. By the 80s, thanks to Georges Duboeuf and a marketing campaign loud enough to wake up Napoleon, Beaujolais Nouveau became a global spectacle.
And then… it jumped the shark. Banana aromas. Millions of bottles. Bubblegum overload. The wine world rolled its eyes.
But 2025? We’re back, baby. And this time, it’s personal.
What’s in the Glass This Year?
The 2025 vintage is being dubbed “The Vintage of Two Faces”—dramatic enough for a Netflix series. August brought a scorching drought. Then, just when vineyards were gasping for mercy, late summer rains came to the rescue. The result? Small yields, big flavour, and wines with actual grip and elegance.
Here’s what to expect:
- Colour: Deep garnet, purple reflections. Like velvet in a glass.
- Nose: Cherry, redcurrant, raspberry, with the odd flirtation of peony or graphite. Yes, graphite. It’s back.
- Palate: Fresh, balanced, and crunchy. Less bubblegum, more red berry zing. And crucially, no fake banana madness unless you’re into that (in which case, look for 71B yeast on the label and may God have mercy on your palate).
Who’s Pouring the Good Stuff?
You’re spoiled for choice. Whether you’re a natural wine hipster or a Waitrose warrior, there’s a bottle for you.
For the purists:
- Château Thivin: Elegant, structured, more Pinot than party.
- Jean Foillard: Serious juice from the master of Morgon.
For the “I want to drink it now” crowd:
- Domaine Pardon et Fils “À Nous”: All juicy strawberries and easy elegance. Buy via Majestic Wine.
- Georges Duboeuf: The OG. Still reliable, still fruity, still fun. Available at Waitrose Cellar.
For the hipster in your life:
- Top Cuvée’s picks: Think Château Cambon, magnums, and sausages. What’s not to love?
Where to Celebrate (Preferably with a Beret)
If you’re in London this weekend, you’ll be tripping over Beaujolais-themed breakfasts, tastings, and wine-fuelled jazz.
- Gordon’s Wine Bar is opening at 8am for Beaujolais with a full English. That’s commitment.
- Top Cuvée is throwing an all-night glou-glou bash in Shoreditch with sausages, because… of course.
- Carousel Fitzrovia has wine workshops. Fancy learning while sipping? This one’s for you.
Regional shout-outs: Lympstone Manor in Devon, Blackfriars in Newcastle, and even a boozy Seine river cruise in Paris. Fancy.
Why You Should Care (Even If You’re a Chardonnay Devotee)
In a world of overpriced Burgundy and head-thumping New World reds, Gamay is the savvy drinker’s secret weapon. It’s fresh. It’s honest. And it won’t bankrupt you.
This isn’t just wine—it’s a vibe. It’s a toast to the harvest, the underdog, and the joy of drinking something alive and immediate.
So this Thursday, raise a glass of pink-purple rebellion. And remember: wine doesn’t have to be complicated to be brilliant.
Santé,
Damon
